Vinesh Phogat Clears Weigh-In Hurdle, Set for Crucial Asian Games Selection Trials

New Delhi, May 2026 : Olympian Vinesh Phogat has taken a significant step toward securing a place in India’s wrestling contingent for the upcoming Asian Games after successfully completing the mandatory weigh-in process at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. The development comes amid legal and administrative debates surrounding her participation and marks an important milestone in her return to competitive wrestling.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) confirmed that the weigh-in for all categories was conducted as per the approved schedule for the Asian Games selection trials. Vinesh, along with all other eligible wrestlers, reported on time and completed the required formalities, making her eligible to participate in the selection process.

In an official statement, the federation said that all wrestlers who fulfilled the prescribed requirements had been cleared to compete in the trials, which are scheduled to begin shortly. The successful completion of the weigh-in removes immediate uncertainty regarding Vinesh’s participation and allows her to focus entirely on the competition ahead.

The development follows a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. Earlier, the apex court declined to stay a Delhi High Court order permitting Vinesh to participate in the Asian Games selection trials. While the court’s decision cleared the way for her involvement, the WFI maintained that she would only be allowed to compete in the 50kg category—the division in which she represented India at the Paris Olympics.

Federation sources had argued that Vinesh should participate in the same weight category in which she last competed at the highest international level. This position created fresh controversy because the wrestler had recently shifted her focus to a different weight class and was seeking to continue her career in that category.

Vinesh’s wrestling journey has seen several transitions across weight divisions over the years. Beginning her international career in the 48kg category, she later moved to 51kg before establishing herself in the 53kg division. It was in the 53kg class that she achieved some of her most notable successes, including medals at the World Championships and a strong showing at the Tokyo Olympics.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, however, she competed in both the 53kg and 50kg categories during qualification events before ultimately earning her Olympic berth in the 50kg division. Her Paris campaign ended in heartbreak when she reached the final but was unable to compete for the gold medal after narrowly missing the required weight limit during the final weigh-in.

The disappointment prompted the celebrated wrestler to announce her retirement from the sport. However, after spending time away from competition, she reconsidered her decision. In December 2025, Vinesh announced her return to wrestling with a renewed ambition of competing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The period away from the mat also brought major personal changes, as she became a mother in July last year. Her comeback has therefore been viewed as a remarkable effort to balance family life and elite sport while pursuing one of the most challenging goals in international wrestling.

Now, with the weigh-in hurdle successfully crossed, all attention turns to the Asian Games selection trials. A strong performance could pave the way for Vinesh Phogat’s return to major international competition and keep her long-term Olympic aspirations firmly on track.